A person commits the offense of criminal trespass or criminal trespassing by entering or remaining on the property of another—including residential land, agricultural land, recreational land (such as a vehicle park), a building, an aircraft, or an automobile—without consent and if the person (1) had notice that the entry was forbidden, or (2) received notice to depart, but failed to do so.
The definitions and penalties for criminal trespassing vary from state to state and are usually located in a state’s penal or criminal code (statutes).
In Ohio, criminal trespass is defined under Ohio Revised Code Section 2911.21. A person commits the offense of criminal trespass by knowingly entering or remaining on someone else's property without permission. This includes any land, premises, or place of business, as well as residential, agricultural, or recreational land. The law specifies that the person must have had notice that the entry was forbidden or must have been told to leave but failed to do so. Notice can be given in various forms, such as posted signs, fencing, or direct communication. Criminal trespass in Ohio is typically considered a fourth-degree misdemeanor, which can result in penalties such as fines, jail time, or both. However, the severity of the charge can increase under certain circumstances, such as if the trespass occurs on school grounds or if the offender has a weapon.
